NeoCon East drew roughly 7,000 design professionals to the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC).
For the second year in a row, the move to Philadelphia proved fruitful as the show continues to draw attendees from the Northeast corridor and beyond. The region’s top commercial interiors professionals discovered a wealth of market-ready solutions. The two days were headlined by inspirational and captivating keynotes led by Marc Kushner and Ayse Birsel, as well as a comprehensive, career-enriching educational program. NeoCon East attendees also benefited from reciprocal resources offered by AIA Philadelphia’s Design on the Delaware Conference, which was once again co-located with the show.
"NeoCon East delivered on many fronts but most importantly it connected the key players in our industry interested in expanding their knowledge and business opportunities," said Julie Kohl, vice president, exhibitor sales, NeoCon Shows. "With thousands of new products on display from nearly 200 exhibitors it is in these connections that business happens and market share is won. These relationships are vital to our industry dynamic and for this reason NeoCon East will continue to gain momentum.”
Day one was kicked off by an uplifting and informative keynote by visionary architect and Architizer co-founder, Kushner. A recent TED talk speaker, Kushner engaged attendees with a captivating exploration into how online communication has the power to revolutionize the specification process and influence the future of the A&D industry. Another highlight of the first day was the WELL Workshop presented by the International WELL Building Institute and the Delaware Valley Green Building Council. The two hour session provided an intensive introduction to the important WELL Building Standard’s ideology, structure and certification process. Wednesday was rounded out by several networking opportunities with the region’s most influential associations and attendees. After a productive first day, attendees and exhibitors reported making valuable connections on the show floor at The Philadelphia Block Party, which was co-hosted by IIDA’s PA/NJ/DE chapter and featured Philly treats and refreshments. Immediately following the Block Party, the networking fun continued at the Design on The Delaware Kick Off Party at AIA Philadelphia’s Headquarters across the street from the PCC.
Award-winning product designer and co-founder of Birsel + Seck, Ayse Birsel, set the tone for a successful day two. Taking a humanistic approach to architecture and design, she delivered a thoughtful presentation that offered attendees a look into how to "Design the Life You Love.” Attendee Karen Young, BBLM Architects, said, “Ayse was incredibly charismatic in her keynote. Her exploration of how design principles can be applied to living one's best life was fascinating. I appreciate programming like that—when topics are inspirational and relatable on a personal level.”
For more information, visit neoconeast.com.
